Dynamics of sequential decision making

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Nov 3;97(18):188103. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.188103. Epub 2006 Nov 1.

Abstract

We suggest a new paradigm for intelligent decision-making suitable for dynamical sequential activity of animals or artificial autonomous devices that depends on the characteristics of the internal and external world. To do it we introduce a new class of dynamical models that are described by ordinary differential equations with a finite number of possibilities at the decision points, and also include rules solving this uncertainty. Our approach is based on the competition between possible cognitive states using their stable transient dynamics. The model controls the order of choosing successive steps of a sequential activity according to the environment and decision-making criteria. Two strategies (high-risk and risk-aversion conditions) that move the system out of an erratic environment are analyzed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Decision Making*
  • Models, Theoretical*